“Just a few moments before crossing the finishing line, I unfurled the Indian flag and ran holding the flag high. It was one of the greatest moments of my life with people cheering ‘India, India’,” an exhilarated Abhishek Raj told TOI on Wednesday, just days after he completed the Ironman Triathlon held in Copenhagen , Denmark on Aug 18. Senior consultant and unit head of medical oncology at a private hospital in Faridabad, the 38-year-old doctor was one of only 10 participants from the country — and the first from Greater Noida – at the event, which saw a total of 2,400 participants from 77 countries.
Often called a litmus test of one’s grit at fitness , the Ironman Triathlon is a gruelling multi-sport competition consisting of 3.8 km of open water swimming followed by 180 km of cycling and 42.2 km of running, all of which must be completed within 17 hours.
Raj completed the feat in 12 hours and 54 minutes. To prepare himself for the race, he underwent months of rigorous training for 10-15 hours a week, including online coaching from the UK’s Daniel Lanigan. Usually, Raj worked out early in the morning around 4-4.
30am or late at night after 8 o’clock. His primary motivation for participating was to champion the cause of health awareness and a fit life. “I’m a staunch advocate of a healthy lifestyle and consistent exercise is fundamental to enhancing the quality and longevity of life.
Through this participation in the Ironman competition, I sought to con.